Dan Plaster
A raucous atmosphere at Ottawa’s TD Place Stadium welcomed a Rider team searching for their first win.
It didn’t start well with the REDBLACKS scoring on their first two drives of the football game with Maurice Price and Jeremiah Johnson picking up touchdowns for the quick 14-0 lead.
The Riders grinded their way back into the football game, mostly with the help of another blocked punt that put the ball deep in Ottawa territory. Brett Smith found newcomer Naaman Roosevelt for a ten yard touchdown to cut the lead to 14-9.
The Riders were threatening late in the second quarter, but a Brett Smith interception in the end zone ended the drive and his night. Tino Sunseri replaced the rookie pivot for the rest of the game.
The second half was all REDBLACKS. They got two more touchdowns from Jeremiah Johnson and another from Henry Burris to push the lead to 35-10 early in the fourth quarter.
The Riders added a late field goal, but the REDBLACKS were able to wind down the clock and finish off the 35-13 victory.
Next up for the Riders is the Labour Day Classic next Sunday. It’s a 2pm kickoff at Mosaic Stadium against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Roughriders 1 9 0 3 13
REDBLACKS 14 0 14 7 35
Rider Leaders
Passing:
Tino Sunseri 12/18 165
Receiving:
Weston Dressler 3 REC 86 YDS
Rushing:
Tino Sunseri 2 Car 38 Yds
